In Daddy's Arms I AM TALL

Title: In Daddy's Arms  I AM TALL

Author(s): 

Folami Abiade, Davida Adedjouma, David A. Anderson, Michael Burgess, Dakari Hru, Angela Johnson, Dinah Johnson, E. Ethelbert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, Sonia Sanchez, Javaka Steptoe, Carole Boston Weatherford

Publisher: Lee and Low Books

Date: 1997

Number of pages: 32

Reading level: Ages 9 - 12

Genre: Poetry and Rhyming 

Summary: This book is an inter-generational compilation of poems and rhymes celebrating fatherhood amongst well known and celebrated African American authors. It brings light the beauty in a father-child relationship.  It helps point out that family is the greatest gift on this earth, and to value this blessing in any way possible. By celebrating fathers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the love families can have. Throughout the course of the different poems, each author has the opportunity to highlight that fathers are amongst the best role models and hero's in today's society. Celebrating the cultural difference in African American families, helping children see that it's OK to be different, and have a different family structure.

My reaction: I think all the authors did a very good job in depicting the beauty that fathers have on our youth. My favorite poem was SEEDS by Javaka Steptoe. Its about a child listening to the father speak about life, and soaking it all in. Like a tree this seed grew within the child and became an apple, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (being the father and his ideals).

Potential problems: I did not notice any evident problems in the book.

My recommendation: I truly believe this book is inspirational in so many ways. It shows children that looking up to their fathers is natural and a bond that can never be broken. It aides the reader to see that the relationship child-father is never failing and how wonderful that is. The illustrations by Javaka Steptoe give each page a new dimension bringing each page a new story. It is fascinating, interesting and a fantastic read for young children.